Effect of casting solvent on permeability of antihypertensive drugs through ethyl cellulose films

Abstract

Ethyl cellulose films were prepared using acetone-methanol (8:2), chloroform-methanol (8:2), dichloromethane-methanol (8:2) and ethyl acetate-methanol (8:2) as solvents and dibutyl phthalate (40% w/w) as a plasticizer. Solvent evaporation technique gave thin uniform films. Water vapour transmission and drug diffusion rate of films followed zero order kinetics. Drug release was governed by peppas model. Diffusion exponent of release profiles (slope) has a value of n>1, which indicates non analmous transport diffusion. Solvents showed significant influence on water vapour transmission, drug diffusion and permeability of films. Ethyl acetate:methanol (8:2) showed highest permeability when compared to other films.